Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which antihypertensive drug class has the most extensive research backing its effectiveness?

1. ACE inhibitors

2. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

3. Thiazide diuretics

4. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)

The correct answer is: Thiazide diuretics

Thiazide diuretics have received extensive research backing for their effectiveness in managing hypertension. Numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that thiazide diuretics lower blood pressure effectively and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. They are often recommended as first-line therapy for hypertension due to their proven long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Thiazide diuretics work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water, leading to a reduction in blood volume. This direct modulation of fluid balance can contribute to reduced peripheral resistance over time, further supporting their role in hypertension management. The robust evidence supporting thiazide diuretics stems from multiple large studies and national guidelines that have established their role in treating high blood pressure. In fact, they are frequently included in hypertension treatment protocols, underscoring their significance in clinical practice. While other classes, such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs, also have substantial evidence supporting their use, thiazide diuretics stand out for their unique efficacy in a broad patient population and their established place in first-line treatment.